Published: March 2, 2026
GRAND KRU COUNTY, Liberia — Renowned businessman Haliay W. Gray has invested more than $230,000 in heavy-duty earth-moving equipment to improve road connectivity in Grand Kru County, drawing widespread celebration from residents who described the move as both “timely” and transformative.
Gray purchased two brand-new machines — an excavator and a bulldozer — at $100,000 each during a recent trip to Dubai, bringing the total purchase cost to $200,000. Additional shipping and clearance expenses exceeded $30,000, according to Gray.
The equipment arrived shortly after the Liberian government brought into the country 137 of 285 earth-moving machines intended to enhance national development and road infrastructure.
The arrival of Gray’s machines sparked jubilation across Buah Geekan and surrounding towns, clans and villages, with residents pouring into the streets in celebration.
“Time for Urgent Road Intervention”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Liberian Investigator over the weekend in Buah Geekan, Gray said the initiative is intended to complement the government’s efforts to improve road connectivity, particularly in Grand Kru County, which he said has suffered from poor road infrastructure for years.
“Recently, I traveled to Dubai, where I purchased two brand-new heavy-duty machines — an excavator and a bulldozer at a cost of $100,000 each, totaling $200,000,” Gray said.
According to him, the machines were shipped to Liberia through the Freeport of Monrovia. Shipping expenses totaled $18,000 per machine, while port clearance costs amounted to approximately $16,000 per unit.
Gray emphasized that Grand Kru deserves urgent attention in road development.
“That part of the country has suffered for better road network over the years, and it is time it is treated with urgency,” he said.
Historic Move, Residents Say
Residents told The Liberian Investigator that, for the first time in postwar history, a son of Grand Kru County has personally purchased heavy earth-moving equipment to directly support local development.
Many described the gesture as unprecedented and a bold demonstration of commitment to the county’s progress.
Gray announced that his first road-opening initiative will begin in Bolloh-Po, Dorbor District, before expanding to other parts of the county to ensure equitable access and representation.
“I will collectively work with the county local authority, the Legislative Caucus and the Ministry of Public Works for these development initiatives to avoid future embarrassment,” he stated. “The machines are currently en route to Bolloh-Po, and there will be an official turnover ceremony.”
Not Politics, But Development
Gray maintained that his investment is not politically motivated, but rather aimed at shifting the development trajectory of the county.
He said many communities continue to struggle with impassable roads and high living costs driven in part by poor transportation access.
The businessman noted that his decision to invest in road rehabilitation was influenced by years of hardship experienced by residents due to inadequate connectivity.
He called on other sons and daughters of Grand Kru to join hands in advancing development efforts.
Gray urged well-meaning citizens to “put hands on desks” to move the county forward and focus on tangible progress rather than political divisions.
Community Celebration
A reporter for The Liberian Investigator covering the event observed jubilant crowds lining the streets of Buah Geekan to celebrate the arrival of the machines.
Residents expressed appreciation for what they described as a bold step toward meaningful development and urged others to prioritize infrastructure and economic progress over political rhetoric.
They emphasized that sustained development — rather than partisan politics — remains key to solving the county’s long-standing challenges.
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